CN118119301A

CN118119301A - Aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: CN118119301A
Application number: CN202280069159.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金兑勋; 朴珠彦; 郑炯真; 韩政昊
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2021-10-20
Filing date: 2022-10-14
Publication date: 2024-05-31

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure comprises: an upper body having an insertion space defined therein; a heater configured to heat the insertion space; and a seal coupled to the upper body, wherein the seal is elastic and has a portion in contact with the upper body, and wherein the portion of the seal in contact with the upper body and the upper body are integrally formed with each other and have a boundary therebetween.

Description

Aerosol generating device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

Background

An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may comprise a multicomponent material. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavouring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various researches have been conducted on aerosol generating devices.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

It is an object of the present disclosure to address the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to prevent a gap from being formed due to a change in a component or assembly and to improve sealing performance when assembling a sealing member.

It is another object of the present disclosure to increase the coupling force of the sealing member.

Technical proposal

According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above and other objects, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: an upper body having an insertion space defined therein; a heater configured to heat the insertion space; and a seal coupled to the upper body, wherein the seal is elastic and has a portion in contact with the upper body, and wherein the portion of the seal in contact with the upper body and the upper body are integrally formed with each other and have a boundary therebetween.

Advantageous effects

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a gap may be prevented from being formed due to a variation in parts or components, and sealing performance may be improved when the sealing member is assembled.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling force of the sealing member may be increased.

Further applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of example only.

Drawings

Fig. 1 to 9 are views showing examples of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

Regarding constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in consideration of convenience of description, and do not have meanings or functions distinguished from each other.

Further, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, the drawings are provided only for better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Accordingly, the drawings should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. On the other hand, when one component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there are no intervening components present.

As used herein, the singular is also intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise at least one of a battery 10, a controller 20, a heater 135 or a cartridge 300. At least one of the battery 10, the controller 20, the heater 135 or the cartridge 300 may be provided in the body 100 of the aerosol-generating device 1.

The body 100 may have an insertion space S1 defined therein, and the rod 400 may be inserted into the insertion space S1. An insertion space S1 into which the rod 400 may be inserted may be formed near the heater 135. The insertion space S1 may be elongated in one direction. One end of the insertion space S1 may be opened outward. The cartridge 300 and the heater 135 may be disposed parallel to each other so as to face each other. The internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in the figures.

The battery 10 may supply power to operate at least one of the controller 20, the heater 135, or the cartridge 300. The battery 10 may supply the power required to drive a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device 1.

The controller 20 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The controller 20 may control the operation of at least one of the battery 10, the heater 135, or the cartridge 300. For example, the controller 20 may control the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol-generating device 1. The controller 20 may check the status of each component of the aerosol-generating device 1 to determine if the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an operational state.

The heater 135 may generate heat upon receiving power supplied from the battery 10. The heater 135 may heat a rod 400 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1.

Cartridge 300 may generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 300 may be delivered to a user by means of a rod 400 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the body 100 may include a lower body 110 and an upper body 120. The upper body 120 may be located on the lower body 110. The lower body 110 may be vertically elongated. The body 100 may house components for driving devices therein. The upper body 120 may define an insertion space 134 therein that is open upward. The insertion space 134 may be located in the upper body 120. The insertion space 134 may be vertically elongated. An insertion space 134 may be defined in the tube 130 (see fig. 8) located in the upper body 120.

The upper case 200 may have a hollow shape and may have an open lower portion. The upper body 120 may be inserted into a cavity in the upper case 200. The upper case 200 may be detachably coupled to the main body 100. The upper case 200 may cover the upper body 120 to surround the upper body 120. The side 211 of the upper case 200 may cover the outer sidewall 121 of the upper body 120 so as to surround the outer sidewall 121 of the upper body 120. The upper portion 212 of the upper case 200 may cover the upper portion of the upper body 120 or the outer cover 180. When the upper housing 200 is coupled to the body 100, the upper housing 200 may cover both the body 100 and the cartridge 300. The cartridge 300 may be disposed in the upper housing 200.

The insertion hole 214 may be formed such that the upper portion 212 of the upper case 200 is opened. The insertion hole 214 may correspond to an opening in the insertion space 134. The cap 215 may be movably mounted on the upper portion 212 of the upper housing 200. A sliding hole 213 may be formed in the upper portion 212 of the upper housing 200 so as to extend in one direction from the insertion hole 214. The cap 215 is movable along the sliding hole 213. The cap 215 may open and close the insertion hole 214 and the insertion space 134. The rod 400 may be inserted into the insertion space 134 through the insertion hole 214. For example, the wand 400 may be a cigarette.

The outer sidewall 121 and the partition wall 125 may form sides of the upper body 120. The partition wall 125 may separate the cartridge coupling space 124a and the insertion space 134 from each other (see fig. 6). The seating portion 122 may extend in one direction from a lower portion of the partition wall 125. The extension 140 may extend in one direction from an upper portion of the partition wall 125.

The cartridge coupling space 124a may be formed at one side of the upper body 120. The cartridge coupling space 124a may be defined by the seating portion 122, the partition wall 125, and the extension 140 of the upper body 120. The bottom of the cartridge coupling space 124a may be covered by the seating part 122. One side of the cartridge coupling space 124a may be covered by the partition wall 125 of the upper body 120. The upper side of the cartridge coupling space 124a may be covered by the extension 140. The cartridge coupling space 124a may be open outward between the seating portion 122 and the extension 140.

The cartridge 300 may be coupled to one side of the upper body 120. The cartridge 300 may be inserted into the cartridge coupling space 124 a. The bottom of the cartridge 300 may be seated on the seating part 122. One side of the cartridge 300 may face the partition wall 125 of the main body 120. The other side of the cartridge 300 may be exposed to the outside of the upper body 120. The upper side of the cartridge 300 may be covered by the extension 140.

Cartridge 300 may store a liquid therein. The cartridge 300 may be electrically connected to the body 100 through the cartridge terminal 128 exposed from the seating part 122. The cartridge 300 may generate an aerosol upon receiving power.

Referring to fig. 4 to 6, the upper body 120 may include an outer sidewall 121 and a partition wall 125. The outer sidewall 121 and the partition wall 125 may be connected to each other. The pipe installation space 124 may be surrounded by the outer side wall 121 and the partition wall 125. The tube installation space 124 may be opened upward. The pipe installation space 124 may extend vertically. The tube 130 (see fig. 7) may be inserted into the tube installation space 124 and may be installed in the upper body 120.

A partition wall 125 may be formed between the pipe 130 and the cartridge coupling space 124a so as to extend vertically. The partition wall 125 may separate the pipe installation space 124 and the cartridge coupling space 124a from each other. One surface of the partition wall 125 may face the pipe installation space 124, and the other surface of the partition wall 125 may face the cartridge coupling space 124a. The connection hole 123 may be formed in such a manner that a lower portion of the partition wall 125 is opened. The connection hole 123 may communicate with the pipe installation space 124. A partition wall 125 may be formed between the insertion space 134 and the cartridge coupling space 124a (see fig. 8).

The partition wall 125 may include a first partition wall portion 1251 and a second partition wall portion 1252. The first and second partition wall portions 1251 and 1252 may be formed in parallel to each other. The first partition wall portion 1251 may be vertically elongated. The second partition wall portion 1252 may be vertically elongated. The first partition wall 1251 may face one side of the pipe installation space 124 or the pipe 130. The second partition wall 1252 may face the cartridge coupling space 124a.

The partition wall 125 may have a first space S1 defined therein. The first space S1 may be formed between the first and second partition wall portions 1251 and 1252. The first space S1 may be vertically elongated. The first space S1 may be opened upward. One side and the other side of the first space S1 may be covered by a first partition wall portion 1251 and a second partition wall portion 1252, respectively. The first partition wall 1251 may separate the pipe installation space 124 and the first space S1 from each other. The second partition wall 1252 may separate the cartridge coupling space 124a and the second space S2 from each other.

The bracket 127 may be located in the first space S1, or may be fixed to the inside of the first space S1. The support 127 may be vertically elongated. The support 127 may support or fix the substrate 162 inserted into the first space S1 (see fig. 7).

The upper body 120 may include an extension 140. The extension portion 140 may extend in one direction from the upper end of the second partition wall portion 1252. The extension 140 may extend in a direction opposite to the tube installation space 124 or the tube 130 (see fig. 8) with respect to the partition wall 125. The extension portion 140 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the second partition wall portion 1252. The extension 140 may cover an upper portion of the cartridge coupling space 124a or an upper portion of the cartridge 300 (see fig. 8).

The extension 140 may include an extension plate 141. The extension plate 141 may extend in one direction from the second partition wall portion 1252. The extension plate 141 may have a thin plate shape.

The extension 140 may include an edge portion 142. The edge portion 142 may extend in the circumferential direction along an edge of the extension plate 141 and an upper portion of the outer sidewall 121 of the upper body 120. The edge portion 142 may include a portion protruding upward from an edge of the extension plate 141.

The second space S2 may be defined in the extension 140. The extension plate 141 may cover a lower portion of the second space S2. The edge portion 142 may cover the periphery of the second space S2. A second space S2 may be defined between the extension 140 and the inner cap 170 (see fig. 7). The second space S2 and the first space S1 may be connected to each other.

The first sensing hole 144 may be formed in a manner of extending a portion of the opening of the plate 141. The first sensing hole 144 may be open toward the cartridge coupling space 124 a. The first sensing hole 144 may allow the second space S2 and the cartridge coupling space 124a to communicate with each other. The first sensing hole 144 may face a first inlet 3011 (see fig. 8) formed in the cartridge 300.

The bottom 129 may cover the lower end of the tube installation space 124. The bottom portion 129 may be integrally formed with the seating portion 122. The bottom 129 may be connected to the partition wall 125. The seating portion 122 may extend in one direction from the bottom 129. One side of the bottom 129 of the upper body 120 may be opened to form a first connector hole 1294. The first connector hole 1294 may communicate with the tube installation space 124. A connector 163 for electrically connecting the sensor 161 to a power source or a lead wire 133a (see fig. 7) for electrically connecting the heater 135 (see fig. 7) to a power source may pass through the first connector hole 1294. The periphery of the bottom 129 may be surrounded by the periphery of the lower portion of the upper body 120.

The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be integrally formed with the upper body 120. The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may have boundaries with the upper body 120. Here, the configuration in which the sealing members and the upper body are integrally formed with each other and have a boundary therebetween may be a configuration in which the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 are coupled to the upper body by injection molding or fused to the upper body so as not to be separated from the upper body, instead of being coupled to the upper body using an adhesive member or a fastening structure. The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be referred to as seals 150, 191, and 192.

The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be elastic. For example, the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be made of rubber or silicone. The sealing members 150, 191, 192 and the upper body 120 may be made of different materials. For example, the upper body 120 may be made of a plastic material.

The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be coupled to the upper body 120 by insert injection molding or dual injection molding. For example, the sealing members 150, 191, 192 may be formed as follows: the upper body 120 is placed into a mold for insert injection molding, and then high temperature rubber or silicone in a molten state is injected into the mold for insert injection molding and cured. In another example, the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be coupled to the upper body 120 by ultrasonic welding. For example, in a state where one surface of each of the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 is in contact with the upper body 120, the surface of the sealing member is melted and solidified using ultrasonic waves, whereby the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 are coupled to the upper body 120.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the formation of a gap due to the variation of the parts or components and to improve the sealing performance when the sealing member is assembled. In addition, the coupling force between the components can be increased.

The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may include an upper seal 150. The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may include a sealing ring 191. The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may include a lower seal 192.

The upper seal 150 may be disposed in the second space S2. The upper seal 150 may be coupled to the extension 140. The upper seal 150 may be in close contact with the extension plate 141 to cover the extension plate 141. The edge of the upper seal member 150 may be in close contact with the edge portion 142. The perimeter of the sensor 161 (see fig. 7) and the perimeter of the substrate 162 (see fig. 7) may be sealed by the upper seal 150. The upper seal 150 may seal the first space S1 and the second space S2.

The upper seal 150 may be coupled to the extension plate 141 by fusing or injection molding. The upper seal 150 may be formed on the upper body 120 by insert injection molding or dual injection molding. In another example, the upper seal 150 may be coupled to the upper body 120 by ultrasonic welding. The portion of the upper seal 150 in contact with the extension plate 141 is melted and solidified to be coupled to the extension plate 141.

The upper seal 150 may include at least one of the first sealing portion 151 or the second sealing portion 152. The first sealing part 151 may have a bar shape elongated in one direction. The second sealing part 152 may have a plate shape. The first sealing part 151 and the second sealing part 152 may be spaced apart from each other. The first sealing portion 151 may cover an upper end of the first partition wall portion 1251. The first sealing portion 151 may be integrally formed with the first partition wall portion 1251. The second sealing portion 152 may cover at least a portion of the extension plate 141. The second sealing portion 152 may be integrally formed with the extension plate 141.

The upper seal 150 may include a third seal 153. The third sealing portion 153 may be located between the first sealing portion 151 and the second sealing portion 152. One end of the third sealing part 153 may be connected to the first sealing part 151, and the other end thereof may be connected to the second sealing part 152. The third sealing portion 153 may connect the first sealing portion 151 and the second sealing portion 152 to each other. The third sealing portion 153 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the first sealing portion 151. The third sealing portion 153 may extend from the first sealing portion 151 toward the second sealing portion 152. The third sealing part 153 may have a bar shape. The third sealing parts 153 may be provided in pairs. Any one of the pair of third sealing parts 153 may be connected to one end of the first sealing part 151 and one side of the second sealing part 152, and the other one of the pair of third sealing parts 153 may be connected to the other end of the first sealing part 151 and the other side of the second sealing part 152.

The substrate insertion hole 154 may be formed such that a portion of the upper seal 150 is opened. The substrate insertion hole 154 may be defined as a space defined between the first sealing part 151, the second sealing part 152, and the pair of third sealing parts 153. The substrate insertion hole 154 may be opened upward and downward. The substrate insertion hole 154 may communicate with the first space S1.

The sensor receiving portion 156 may be formed in the second sealing portion 152. The sensor receiving part 156 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first sensing hole 144. The sensor receiving portion 156 may have a shape protruding upward from the second sealing portion 152. The sensor housing 156 may have a housing recess 1565 formed therein. The receiving recess 1565 may be upwardly open. A lower portion of the receiving recess 1565 may communicate with the second sensing hole 1564, and the second sensing hole 1564 is formed in such a manner that a portion of the bottom of the sensor receiving portion 156 is opened. The second sensing hole 1564 may correspond to the first sensing hole 144. The second sensing bore 1564 may be in communication with the first sensing bore 144. Receptacle sidewalls 1562 may extend along the perimeter of receptacle recess 1565. The accommodating part side walls 1562 may be formed to be inclined such that the accommodating recess 1565 is gradually narrowed from the upper side thereof toward the lower side thereof, whereby the sensor 161 (see fig. 7) may be easily inserted.

The seal ring 191 may surround the outer circumferential surface 1261 of the lower periphery 126 of the upper body 120. The seal ring 191 may extend in the circumferential direction along an outer peripheral surface 1261 of the lower periphery 126 of the upper body 120. The seal ring 191 may be formed in a ring shape.

The sealing ring 191 may be coupled to the upper body 120 by injection molding or fusing. The seal ring 191 may be formed on the upper body 120 by insert injection molding or double injection molding. In another example, the seal ring 191 may be coupled to the upper body 120 by ultrasonic welding. The portion of the sealing ring 191 in contact with the upper body 120 is melted and solidified to be coupled to the upper body 120.

The circumferential groove 1264 may be formed in such a manner that an outer circumferential surface 1261 of the lower periphery 126 of the upper body 120 is recessed inward. Circumferential groove 1264 may extend along lower periphery 126 of upper body 120. The seal ring 191 may be inserted into the circumferential groove 1264.

The lower seal 192 may be in close contact with the lower surface of the bottom 129 of the upper body 120. The lower seal 192 may be in close contact with an inner peripheral surface 1262 of the lower periphery 126 of the upper body 120. One side of the lower seal 192 may be open to form a second connector aperture 1924 in communication with the first connector aperture 1294. The other side of the lower seal 192 may be open to form a cartridge terminal hole 1925. Barrel terminal 128 may be exposed downwardly through barrel terminal aperture 1925.

The lower seal 192 may be coupled to the upper body 120 by injection molding or fusing. The lower seal 192 may be formed on the upper body 120 by insert injection molding or dual injection molding. In another example, the lower seal 192 may be coupled to the upper body 120 by ultrasonic welding. The portion of the lower seal 192 in contact with the upper body 120 is melted and solidified to be coupled to the upper body 120.

A coupling hole 1291 may be formed in the lower periphery 126 of the upper body 120. The coupling hole 1291 may be open in the thickness direction of the lower periphery 126. The coupling hole 1291 may be formed in plurality. The coupling hole 1291 may include a pair of coupling holes formed opposite to each other. A coupling hook 1292 may be formed near the at least one coupling hole 1291.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, the tube 130 may be elongated in a vertical direction. An insertion space 134 may be defined in the tube 130. The insertion space 134 may be upwardly opened. The insertion space 134 may extend vertically. The connection passage 133 may be formed in the tube 130. The connection passage 133 may be formed under the insertion space 134. One end of the connection channel 133 may communicate with the outside of the tube 130, and the other end thereof may communicate with the insertion space 134. The connection passage 133 may be bent in one direction from the lower portion of the insertion space 134.

The pipe 130 may be inserted into the pipe installation space 124 to be coupled to the upper body 120. The tube 130 may be surrounded by the outer sidewall 121 and the dividing wall 125. The connection passage 133 may communicate with the connection hole 123.

The heater 135 may be installed in the tube 130. The heater 135 may surround the insertion space 134. The heater 135 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The heater 135 may heat the insertion space 134. The heater 135 may heat the rod 400 (refer to fig. 1) inserted into the insertion space 134. The lead wire 133a may electrically connect the heater 135 to a power source provided in the lower body 110. The lead 133a of the heater 135 may be disposed in the lower body 110 through the first and second connector holes 1294 and 1924.

The cartridge 300 may have a first chamber C1 therein. The first chamber C1 may store a liquid. The cartridge 300 may have a second chamber C2 therein. The second chamber C2 may be separated from the first chamber C1. The second chamber C2 may be disposed below the first chamber C1.

The core 311 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The core 311 may be connected to the first chamber C1. The wick 311 may receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The heating coil 312 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The heating coil 312 may be wound around the core 311. The heating coil 312 may be electrically connected to the cartridge terminal 128 to receive power. The heating coil 312 may heat the core 311. When the heating coil 312 heats the core 311 having the liquid contained therein, aerosol may be generated in the second chamber C2.

The cartridge 300 may have a first inlet 3011. The first inlet 3011 may be formed in such a manner that an upper end of the cartridge 300 is open. The first inlet 3011 may be in communication with the exterior of the cartridge 300. The cartridge 300 may have a second inlet 3012. The second inlet 3012 may be formed in such a manner that one side of the second chamber C2 is open, and may communicate with the second chamber C2. The inflow channel 302 may connect the first and second inlets 3011 and 3012 to each other. The inflow channel 302 may be located between the first and second inlets 3011, 3012. The inflow channel 302 may be elongated in a vertical direction in the cartridge 300. Cartridge 300 may have an outlet 303. The outlet 303 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the second chamber C2 is opened, and may allow the second chamber C2 to communicate with the outside of the cartridge 300. The outlet 303 may be located opposite the second inlet 3012 with respect to the second chamber C2. When the cartridge 300 is coupled to the upper body 120, the outlet 303 may be connected to the connection channel 133. The connection passage 133 may be located below the insertion space 134. The connection passage 133 may allow the insertion space 134 and the outlet 303 to communicate with each other.

The user can inhale air in a state where the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 134 is held in the mouth. In a state where the upper case 200 is coupled to the main body 100, air may be introduced into the first inlet 3011 through the opening 201 formed in the upper case 200. Air may be introduced into the cartridge 300 through the first inlet 3011 from outside the cartridge 300. The air introduced into the first inlet 3011 may sequentially pass through the inflow channel 302 and the second inlet 3012, and then may be introduced into the second chamber C2. The air introduced into the second chamber C2 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 300 through the outlet 303 together with the aerosol generated near the core 311. The air discharged through the outlet 303 may be supplied to the insertion space 134 through the connection passage 133 and to the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 134, and then may be provided to the user.

Referring to fig. 6 to 9, the sensor 161 may be located in the second space S2. The sensor 161 may be disposed in the sensor housing 156 and may be covered by the upper seal 150. The upper seal 150 may be disposed between the sensor 161 and the extension 140. The sensor 161 may face the first sensing hole 144 and the second sensing hole 1564. First and second sensing apertures 144, 1564 may be adjacent to first inlet 3011. The sensor 161 may detect the air flow near the first inlet 3011 through the first sensing hole 144 and the second sensing hole 1564. The sensor 161 may be an air flow sensor 161 or a pressure sensor 161.

The substrate 162 may be a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB). However, the type of the substrate 162 is not limited thereto. The substrate 162 may be inserted into the first space S1. The substrate 162 may be supported by the support 127. The substrate 162 may be directly or indirectly connected to the battery 10, a memory (not shown), and the controller 20. Alternatively, the battery 10, a memory (not shown), and the controller 20 may be mounted on the substrate 162. The substrate 162 may be connected to the sensor 161.

The battery 10 may be disposed in the lower body 110. The controller 20 may be disposed in the lower body 110. The connector 163 may extend from one end of the substrate 162. The connector 163 may protrude from the lower side of the upper body 120 to the inside of the lower body 110 through the first and second connector holes 1294 and 1924. The connector 163 may be made of conductive metal. The connector 163 may indirectly connect the sensor 161 to the controller 20 or the battery 10.

The sensor 161 may operate by receiving power from the battery 10. The controller 20 may send and receive electrical signals to and from the sensor 161. The controller 20 may control the operation of the sensor 161. When the sensor 161 detects an air flow, the controller 20 may receive a signal from the sensor 161 and may control various components connected to the controller 20 in response to the signal. For example, when the sensor 161 detects an air flow, the controller 20 may heat the heating coil 311 or the heater 135.

The cover 180 may be coupled to an upper end of the upper body 120. The cover 180 may cover the first space S1 and the second space S2. The cover 180 may cover the upper end of the tube 130. The cover 180 may include an opening portion corresponding to the insertion space 134. The cover 180 may press at least one of the first sealing part 151, the second sealing part 152, or the third sealing part 153 toward the upper part of the upper body 120.

The upper seal 150 may prevent liquid or foreign matter from being introduced into the device through the first sensing bore 144. The upper seal 150 may prevent foreign substances such as liquid from being introduced into the first space S1 and the second space S2 between the upper body 120 and the cover 180. In addition, since the upper seal 150 is integrally formed with the extension 140, a gap is not formed between the upper seal 150 and the extension 140 or between the upper seal 150 and the cover 180, so that liquid or foreign substances can be prevented from entering the gap therebetween.

The lower body 110 may be coupled to a lower portion of the upper body 120. An outer circumferential surface 1261 of a lower portion of the upper body 120 may be inserted into an upper portion of the lower body 110, and may be surrounded by an inner circumferential surface 111 of the upper portion of the lower body 110 (see fig. 3).

The sealing ring 191 may seal a gap between the upper body 120 and the lower body 110. The seal ring 191 may seal a gap between the outer peripheral surface 1261 of the lower portion of the upper body 120 and the inner peripheral surface 111 of the upper portion of the lower body 110. The seal ring 191 may extend in the circumferential direction along the inner circumferential surface 111 of the upper portion of the lower body 110. The sealing ring 191 may be in close contact with the outer circumferential surface 1261 of the lower portion of the upper body 120 and the inner circumferential surface 111 of the upper portion of the lower body 110. The sealing ring 191 inserted into the circumferential groove 1264 may be integrally formed with the outer circumferential surface 1261 of the lower portion of the upper body 120.

The couplers 112, 1291, and 1292 may couple the upper body 120 and the lower body 110 to each other. Couplers 112, 1291, and 1292 may include coupling protrusions 112. The couplers 112, 1291, and 1292 can include a coupling aperture 1291. The coupling protrusion 112 may be inserted into the coupling hole 1291 to couple the upper and lower bodies 120 and 110 to each other. The coupling protrusion 112 may protrude from an inner circumferential surface 111 of an upper portion of the lower body 110. The positions of the coupling protrusion 112 and the coupling hole 1291 may be reversed. The coupling hooks 1292 may be caught on the coupling protrusions 112, thereby preventing the upper and lower bodies 120 and 110 coupled to each other from being separated.

The lower seal 192 may be disposed between the upper body 120 and the lower body 110. The lower seal 192 may be integrally formed with the bottom 129 of the upper body 120. The lower seal 192 may be integrally formed with an inner peripheral surface 1262 of a lower portion of the upper body 120.

The first connector hole 1294 formed in such a manner that the bottom 129 of the upper body 120 is opened and the second connector hole 1924 formed in the lower seal 192 may communicate with each other. The connector 163 and/or the lead 133a may extend from the inside of the upper body 120 and may be connected to the controller 20 in the lower body 110 through the first and second connector holes 1294 and 1924. The controller 20 may be connected to cartridge terminals 128 (see fig. 5) exposed through the lower seal 129.

Referring to fig. 1 to 9, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: an upper body having an insertion space defined therein; a heater configured to heat the insertion space; and a seal coupled to the upper body, wherein the seal is elastic and has a portion in contact with the upper body, and wherein the portion of the seal in contact with the upper body and the upper body may be integrally formed with each other and have a boundary therebetween.

Further, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the portion of the seal may be fused to the upper body.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the seal may be formed on the upper body by injection molding.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the upper body may comprise a plastic material, and wherein the seal may comprise a rubber material.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise a lower body coupled to a lower portion of the upper body.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the upper portion of the lower body may surround the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the upper body, and wherein the seal may include a seal ring configured to seal a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the upper body and the inner peripheral surface of the upper portion of the lower body.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the sealing member may include a lower sealing member closely contacting a lower surface of the upper body to seal a gap between the upper body and the lower body.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise a lead extending from the heater to the interior of the lower body, wherein the lower seal has a connector aperture configured such that the lower seal is open to allow the lead to pass therethrough.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise: a cartridge coupled to a side of the upper body and having a cartridge inlet at an upper portion of the cartridge; an extension portion extending from an upper portion of a side surface of the upper body to cover an upper portion of the cartridge, the extension portion having a sensing hole adjacent to an inlet of the cartridge; and a sensor disposed adjacent the sensing aperture and configured to detect an air flow proximate the sensing aperture, wherein the seal includes an upper seal surrounding the sensor proximate the sensing aperture and integrally formed with the extension.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all of the elements of the above disclosed embodiments may be combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, configuration "a" described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings and configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings may be combined with each other. That is, although a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is not possible to describe the combination.

While embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More specifically, various variations and modifications of the constituent parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement are possible within the scope of the present disclosure, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

An upper body having an insertion space defined therein;

a heater configured to heat the insertion space; and

A seal coupled to the upper body,

Wherein the seal is elastic and has a portion in contact with the upper body, and

Wherein the portion of the seal contacting the upper body and the upper body are integrally formed with each other and have a boundary therebetween.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the seal is fused to the upper body.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the seal is formed on the upper body by injection moulding.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the upper body comprises a plastics material, and

Wherein the seal comprises a rubber material.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, the aerosol-generating device further comprising:

A lower body coupled to a lower portion of the upper body.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 5, wherein an upper inner peripheral surface of the lower body surrounds a lower outer peripheral surface of the upper body, and

Wherein the seal member includes a seal ring configured to seal a gap between an outer peripheral surface of a lower portion of the upper body and an inner peripheral surface of an upper portion of the lower body.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 5, wherein the seal comprises a lower seal in close contact with a lower surface of the upper body to seal a gap between the upper body and the lower body.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, the aerosol-generating device further comprising:

a lead extending from the heater to an inside of the lower body,

Wherein the lower seal has a connector aperture configured such that the lower seal is open to allow the lead to pass therethrough.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, the aerosol-generating device further comprising:

A cartridge coupled to a side of the upper body and having a cartridge inlet at an upper portion thereof;

An extension extending from an upper portion of the side of the upper body to cover an upper portion of the cartridge, the extension having a sensing aperture adjacent the cartridge inlet; and

A sensor disposed adjacent to the sensing aperture and configured to detect air flow in the vicinity of the sensing aperture,

Wherein the seal comprises an upper seal surrounding the sensor in the vicinity of the sensing aperture and integrally formed with the extension.